Fighting over disputed areas along the borders of Tigray and Amhara regions has resulted in the displacement of nearly 29,000 people, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In the latest humanitarian update, OCHA reported that nearly 29,000 people have been displaced from the rural towns of Alamata to the neighboring Amhara districts of Kobo of North Wello Zone and Sekota town of Wag Hamra zone due to escalating violence in recent days.

Last week, fighting erupted between forces from the two regions in Raya Alamata district. Officials in Amhara have accused forces from Tigray of initiating an invasion, although Tigray leaders have denied these allegations. The disputed district of Raya Alamata was under Tigray’s control until the outbreak of war in 2020. However, Amhara forces have since taken control of it. With the resurgence of the latest fighting, Tigray forces have reportedly advanced towards certain areas in the district.

The UN has declared a serious food and water shortage, emphasizing the urgent need for lifesaving assistance. It was noted that some families have sought shelter within the host community, while others have taken shelter in an industrial site that remains under construction in an area called Gara Lencha, some three kilometres away from Kobo town. “The site is an open area, and therefore presents major protection challenges in addition to health concerns due to lack of sanitation and exposure to the elements,” OCHA wrote.